Author Archives: lifewithlilred

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About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!
Oct9

Trail Blazers: Kasper Pt. 2 Edition

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Trail Blazers: Kasper Pt. 2 Edition

Howdy! I honestly can’t think of a time when shopping has made me feel bad. Lol, I know such a shopaholic – but seriously. When I’m happy, I shop. When I’m sad, I shop. When I’m indifferent, I shop. But, hey, there’s a lot worse things that I could be doing and at least everything in my Trail Blazers series was from a Goodwill in North Carolina so it definitely didn’t break the bank!

I will admit, that I was not in my normal happy go lucky state of mind during this particular shopping trip. However, purchasing four blazers for twenty bucks in total perked me right up! Lol, check it out:

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Now, I am well aware that this olive green cheetah print number by Kasper is super old ladyish. Believe you me, I am the first to admit it. But, I just feel like I can do something cool with it especially because the color is divine. Because fifty shades of green is so flattering on me, it took the old lady element out of this jacket and turned it into a piece that’s quirky and unique compliments of the velvet animal print and slouchy fit.

If I wear this blazer before my boyfriend gets to it for a concert with his band, the plan is to keep things really young and fresh. So, I’m thinking of pairing it with shorts with tights underneath, a sweet crop top, and all of the chunky gold jewelry. And, of course, a cool pair of boots!

When shopping secondhand, it’s easy to just search for the things that are more suitable to your age and bypass all of the other options. Unfortunately, this means that you’re turning up your nose to eighty percent of what’s in the store. When thrifting, you have to use your imagination to turn something seemingly “not your style” into a new wardrobe staple. I felt like I could do that with this Kasper blazer and I’m looking forward to seeing how it works. 😀

Which sections do you love to shop in at your local thrift stores? How do you get creative while secondhand shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct8

Three Simple Home Improvement Projects That Increase Market Value

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Three Simple Home Improvement Projects That Increase Market Value

Unless you’re a real estate pro, you might not know how to get the best return on your investment when the time comes to sell your home. For example, did you know that your home could sell for significantly more if you spend a little extra time and money on a few simple improvements? While it may seem counter intuitive to invest money and time into a home you wish to get off your hands, a couple of choice updates and additions to your property could give you a decent return on your investment:

Invest in Exterior Features:

While a home’s exterior features such as the garden, garage, swimming pool, roof, and gutters may seem less important than the interior, ensuring that these features are both operational and attractive to the eye is a great way to add value to your home. Keeping your garden and lawn well maintained will leave a strong impression on any potential buyers who turn up for your viewings. No green thumb? No problem! Professional teams like Calvin Landscape (or a similar company in your local area) can transform your yard for you.

There may be a lot of work on the exterior of your property that you can do yourself, like painting and cleaning gutters. Larger additions will need to be handled by experts who can ensure that installations are done according to spec. For example, a high-quality water tank can be a strong selling point. Tank Direct is a fantastic option for your water tank requirements.

A fresh and well-maintained exterior is a useful way to help a potential buyer imagine the lifestyle their family might enjoy, should they buy the property and move in. Family friendly property can include things like a fenced in yard, shady areas to cool off, and bigger selling points like amazing pool designs, a koi pond, or tree house.

Get Those Repairs Taken Care Of:

While you might imagine that getting your bigger projects done (like a bathroom remodel or retileing the kitchen backsplash) would be more attractive to potential buyers, it’s crucial to put these jobs on hold until any necessary structural repairs have been completed. These will make a tremendous difference when it comes time to put your property on the market. If you don’t, you risk your buyers being too distracted by the leaky ceiling or the odor of mold to even notice the fancy additions like new tiles. Before you get started on those more exciting beautiful additions to your home, make sure you sort out your repairs, whether it’s electrical, plumbing, or structural.

It is always a good idea when you are making home improvements to have emergency repair professionals in mind. You just never know what is going to happen as you get into the inner workings of your home like plumbing and electric. To get started, simply enter a search for “Emergency Plumbers in Lake Havasu” (or your local area) and be sure to look at reviews carefully. If time is of the essence with a major leak, you will want a team that answers promptly and arrives quickly so be sure to pay close attention to what previous customers experienced.

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Pexels CC0 Licence

Update The Heating System:

If you install a modern central-heating system in your house or give the existing system a comprehensive update, you’re almost certainly going to enhance your home’s value. Older properties such as Victorian houses are charming in many ways, but your potential buyer won’t be charmed by a chilly walk down the hallway as they try to imagine their life in their future home. Problems like chronically freezing floors can be improved with heated flooring too. If you are considering a renovation with a Bathroom remodeler in Murrieta, CA or your local area, this could be a great addition to those frigid tile floors in the bathroom!

Some newer homes come equipped with somewhat dated heating systems that don’t provide enough warmth, and can cost a lot to run. Updating the old system should prove highly attractive to a potential buyer. An extra bonus you get when you add a new heating system to your home is that if you don’t end up selling the property right away, you will save money and stay warmer while you wait for the right buyer to come along.

Whether you’re listing your property in the near future or you’re planning to sell one of these days, these updates are sure to boost the value of your house!

Featured Image By: Pexels CC0 Licence

Oct8

Trail Blazers: Kasper Edition

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Trail Blazers: Kasper Edition

Salutations! We are on blazer two of four thanks to my twenty dollar haul at a North Carolina Goodwill, so let’s get to it! I used to be so weird about thrift shopping in the past because I was a pretty extreme germophobe. And, I’m not going to lie, I still have my quirks but I’ve learned to take a deep breath and dive right in when it comes to secondhand shopping because I’m not going to let my phobia get in the way of a real life treasure hunt! If I let my fears get the best of me, I wouldn’t have ended up with this menswear inspired number seen below:

kasperkasper3kasper2

I quite like this Kasper blazer! Of course, the shoulder pads, grey scale palette with a hint of red, and the double breasted buttons are all very good. But, what I really like is that I get a very pajama style vibe from it and turning your sleepwear into streetwear is a huge trend right now! My new/old blazer has a more boyfriend fit to it but it still manages to feel constructed, which is a must for me. This is also all the more reason to love a good shoulder pad because it can add a unique structure to even the slouchiest of tops.

Because I am getting such a huge pajama chic vibe from this blazer, I plan on styling it with some comfy cool joggers or a more wide legged trouser for the ultimate stylish take on leisurewear. Keeping it fashion forward is the name of the game, though, which means a sharp stiletto heel is definitely in order as well as all of the bling to keep you looking modelesque as opposed to “I just rolled out of bed”.

How do you style a pajama inspired look? How do you dress for comfort while still looking chic? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct7

Trail Blazers: Criscione Edition

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Trail Blazers: Criscione Edition

Greetings! While vacationing in North Carolina, the home that we were staying in had a Goodwill right down the street. So, of course my mom and I had to stop in! We love us some discount shopping and I have had great success at the Goodwill this past year when it comes to clothing and making apartment purchases. In fact, two of my favorite blazers that I got recently are from there!

At the Goodwill in North Carolina, I ended up with FOUR blazers for a grand total of twenty bucks. You really can’t beat that. Did I need them? No. Did I like all of them? Yes! Especially this one by Criscione. Check it out:

blazerblazer4blazer1blazer2blazer5

^^^ Peep those shoulder pads, baby!

I absofreakinglutely LOVE this blazer. It is pure and utter glam rock to the highest degree and I couldn’t be happier with this Goodwill find. From the rhinestones sparkling against the pitch black fabric to the larger than life shoulder pads, this blazer is everything and then some. I can’t get enough of the bejeweled buttons and I adore its length that hits right at my mid thigh for a more tuxedo jacket type feel. You truly can’t find clothing like this anymore and I feel like I hit the jackpot when I stumbled upon this pretty little thang.

The beauty of this blazer is not just in its bedazzled flashiness but in the infinite styling possibilities that it offers. I, for one, am looking forward to pairing it with faux leather skinnies and my Union Jack platforms. But, I also love the idea of wearing it over a dress and knitted tights come cold weather for a look to slay all family get togethers. I’m clutching my pearls just thinking about it!

What has been your best thrift store find? What are your tips for shopping secondhand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct6

Lucky Brand Haul: Corduroy Trucker Jacket Edition

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Lucky Brand Haul: Corduroy Trucker Jacket Edition

Hi! To conclude my Lucky Brand Haul from the outlets in Asheville, North Carolina, we are going to discuss my new corduroy trucker jacket. I have always loved the idea of corduroy but, sadly, have never found anything in that material that I considered worth buying. That is, until my pretty rust hued baby came along. Perfect for fall and a great layering piece, this jacket will be everything come the chillier weather! Take a look:

cord2cord3cord

I was very excited to have found this style of jacket at Lucky, because I had recently ordered a snakeskin patterned trucker jacket from TJMaxx and it did nothing for me. It was just too big and boxy and even my favorite animal print couldn’t save it. Despite having a more boyfriend style fit, my new jacket still has a lovely little shape to it without just draping over me. This is great, because grossly oversized on a petite frame does nothing for my body type!

And, of course, give me anything in a rusty tan or orange hue and I am all in. One of my favorite colors to wear other than black, this shade does all of the right things for me. It makes my red hair pop, my pale skin look even more porcelain, and my hazel eyes sparkle. It is also beautifully reminiscent of the leaves changing color and will be one of my fall staples, for sure.

As I mentioned above, this jacket is an awesome layering piece because of its slightly oversized fit. This means that you can wear a more chunky sweater or turtleneck underneath and still get away with it without looking like a little marshmallow! And, because it’s a more lightweight jacket, you won’t be burning up with your heavier sweater on beneath it. Talk about a win/win. 😀

How do you rock corduroy? What is your favorite style of jacket? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct5

Lucky Brand Haul: Black Skinnies Edition

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Lucky Brand Haul: Black Skinnies Edition

Howdy! One of my main bugaboos are the classic, all American blue jeans. From about fifteen on, I have simply refused to wear them because 1) I feel like they make me look fat and 2) they definitely don’t fit with my all black everything aesthetic. So, needless to say, I own black skinnies for days and always have to restock a pair or two at least once a year as the color fades so easily.

While shopping the Lucky Brand outlet store in Asheville, North Carolina, I was able to score a new pair that fit like a glove for thirty dollars – a mere fraction of the original ninety dollar price tag! Take a look:

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What I love about these jeans other than their inky midnight black hue and the more cloth like material as opposed to denim is their fit. Thanks to over a decade’s worth of figure skating, it’s no secret that Lil Red definitely has some junk in the trunk. My legs are extremely muscular and I have a booty boo that I am quite proud of, thank you very much!

This is why I am so happy that I was able to find a curvy but still skinny fit pair of jeans. As we all know, plain old skinny jeans don’t have much give to them and it’s no fun having to do the pants dance every time you want to pull a pair on. And, I hate having to size up in jeans and clothes in general due to an eating disorder which is now under control. I was elated to be able to try on a pair of skinnies that were true to my actual size and still felt *comfortably* suction cupped to my legs, lol.

Also, can we please take a moment to talk about the cheeky “lucky you” on the inside of the fly?! Haha, so cute! It has been a while since I got a new pair of black skinnies for myself and these were very much needed. I can absolutely picture myself purchasing Lucky Brand jeans again if the price is right. My new pair fit perfectly and are exactly what I wanted – no sacrificing self esteem required!

What is your least favorite piece of clothing to shop for? Which store has the best jeans? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct4

Lucky Brand Haul: Spot On Sweater Edition

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Lucky Brand Haul: Spot On Sweater Edition

Hello hello! Despite saying that I was going to save money while on vacation, the outlet malls in Asheville were calling my name and I ended up with a haul from Lucky that I am very happy with. In fact, I daresay that I got a better deal at the outlet store than I ever would have shopping with TJMaxx – and that’s really saying something because I swear by that store. Because ya’ll have never known Lil Red to pass up on a deal, I ended up with some beautiful new pieces for my fall wardrobe like this darling polka dot sweater:

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Blah, blah, blah mustard yellow.

Blah, blah, blah excellent deal.

Blah, blah, blah perfect fall staple.

Ugh, but seriously – mustard yellow, excellent deal, and PERFECT fall staple! I cannot say enough good things about this sweater. From the gorgeous fallen leaves hue and the charming pattern to the chunky but fitted shape and keyhole cutout on the back, this sweater has got it going on. It has just the right amount of give to keep me comfy cozy during the cooler weather but it is fitted enough that it doesn’t look like I’m drowning in it or am as wide as a house. Spoiler Alert: Both looks are not cute.

Nope, this lovely little sweater is the epitome of slouchy chic and is going to look simply  flawless paired with some faux leather skinnies, thigh high boots, and a great big statement bag to complete the look. Throw on a huge floppy hat and don’t look at me sunnies and you are ready to strut about the pumpkin patch or apple orchard like you own the joint. Hello, stunner!

What is your favorite pattern to wear? How do you rock a slouchy sweater? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct3

Items To Buy Before You Pick Up Your New Puppy

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Items To Buy Before You Pick Up Your New Puppy

Bringing home your puppy for the first time is an exciting time and, if you have children, it’s going to be even more of a special experience. It’s not something to be taken lightly, of course, and you need to think about how much time, effort, and money you have available for this new puppy. But, if you’ve already thought about it thoroughly and you have made the decision, then you can be sure that there are some things that you are going to need to purchase. Puppies need a lot of time spent on them primarily, but there is also such a vast world of puppy items too, including the pooper scooper, all of which you’ll have to consider carefully.

Food:

There is considerable debate over what constitutes as a proper diet for your dog. There are many articles out there are explaining why a particular dog food should never be given to your pet, and also lots of information regarding raw feeding. Raw feeding is simply a diet that consists of uncooked meat, there is a community of people that believe raw food is the ultimate option for any dog. But, you have to take many things into consideration, do your research and find the right thing for you and your pet. Make sure you stock up, as these little puppies eat and grow in vast quantities.

Bedding:

Having a safe spot to sleep and hide is an essential thing for a new puppy. They are going to need to feel safe, and the “cave” option for them is important. A puppy who is happy, content, and not scared is a puppy that will listen and make good choices. Mostly, if a puppy is destructive and not listening to the training, you will find that it’s because they don’t have everything they need, including good direction. Many people believe that crate training is important for a puppy’s development and potty training, and others believe that leaving the puppy to sleep on your bed with you is the ultimate. Whichever you choose, you will no doubt be looking for a puppy bed before you bring them home.

Training Books:

The most important thing you can do to keep your puppy happy and safe isn’t just about controlling the dog, it’s making sure they know what is expected of them and are challenged mentally. Training books such as easy peasy puppy squeezy, give great insight into puppies, why they do what they do, and how you can set them up for excellent training. Don’t miss this step and wait until they are ‘older’ as they are like sponges when they are little. They won’t remember everything all of the time but it’s recommended to get started straight away.

To help with your puppy’s enrichment and entertainment, which in turn stops them from being destructive, you will need to provide them with toys and training opportunities with high-value treats. It can be as simple as a toilet roll with treats wrapped inside (supervised) or a puppy Kong filled with dog-safe peanut butter. Good luck bringing your new pet home!

Featured Image By: Austin Kirk on Unsplash

Oct3

Lucky Brand Haul: Topper Jacket Edition

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Lucky Brand Haul: Topper Jacket Edition

Hellooo everyone! While vacationing in Asheville, North Carolina, I planned on saving money during the week. However, a trip to the outlet malls utterly destroyed that and I ended up going way too hard at the Lucky Brand discount shop. In my defense, though, I scored some excellent deals and I finally got to actually shop in their store as opposed to waiting for TJMaxx to have some Lucky goodies available to purchase.

If I do have a Lucky Brand near me in Ohio, it is definitely not an outlet location so I wanted to take full advantage of the experience. And, even when TJs does have Lucky items, it is usually just sunnies and jewelry – which are nice. But, it’s not a full blown clothing item, which I so lust after.

During my Lucky haul, I was able to curb the desire for some actual Lucky’s clothing and ended up with four items for about one hundred and forty bucks, which I considered a steal, because the original price on most of the items was one hundred! I also had a twenty-five dollar off coupon and received fifteen percent off when getting approved for their credit card, which dwindled the total down fifty-five dollars. So, no one can say I didn’t shop smart. Or stylish, for that matter, because check this beauty out:

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There is no denying that Lil Red loves a good jacket. I am absolutely addicted to them and, as soon as I saw this gorgeous, wheat colored topper jacket I knew that I needed it. It is honest to god as comfortable as slipping on a bathrobe but the sleek shape, cool color, and fleecey fabric keeps it looking nice and chic. As a shorter girl, I strive to create the illusion of length in all of my OOTDs and the straight lines in this coat make this possible. And, thanks to the slinky fabric, it still feels like it fits like a glove so it doesn’t overpower my petite frame.

The golden wheat color is just phenomenal and I love the way it looks when the light hits it because the poly/cotton blend fabric provides a dazzling sheen. Although this is a fairly simple piece, it makes a bold statement. This, in turn, makes styling it a breeze. All one need do is throw on a killer pair of trousers, your favorite turtle neck, a heeled ankle bootie, and a necklace to hit at the V-neck and you are all set!

Are there any stores that you love but are not close to you? How do you shop smart at outlet malls? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct2

Vacation Eats: The Moose Cafe

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Vacation Eats: The Moose Cafe

Hello, hello everyone! When it comes to family vacations, my dad is the king of planning. From activities and shops to hikes and the best restaurants in the area, he spends time scouring the internet and travel books for stops to make for the ultimate vacation. While in Asheville, North Carolina for our vaca, we had dinner at The Moose Cafe after shopping a charming little farmers market right down the street. Although the menu wasn’t the most vegetarian friendly, I still managed and ended up with a massive plate o’ carbs. Check it out:

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^^^ Awwww yeahhhhh

During one of our previous trips to Asheville, we had breakfast at The Moose Cafe and that was really crazy good. And, despite only having one option to eat for dinner, it was still really crazy good. I was able to pick four side dishes to form one mega meal and went with the cheesy grits, mashed potatoes, mac n’ cheese, and French fries as well as a slice of cornbread. As if that wasn’t enough carbohydrates for ya, don’t even get me started on the pre-meal biscuits and apple butter. YUM!

From a health perspective, this might not have been the best meal. But, from a “I was super hungry” perspective, this meal fucking SLAPPED. The biscuits were huge, soft, and fluffy. They literally melted in your mouth with a butter and honey finish. And, committing even more carbicide on the main course was just what I needed after a long day.

Some of the sides were definitely better than the others and I have them ranked in the following order:

  1. French fries
  2. Cheesy grits
  3. Mashed potatoes
  4. Mac n’ cheese

However, once I had them reheated as leftovers, they all tasted really freaking good! Funny how that works out!

What is your favorite spot for breakfast in your neck of the woods? Where do you like to eat if you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc.? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Facebook